My Top 5 Reads from 2016

The Best Books I Read in 2016

And now for everyone’s favorite time of year, the classification of my top reads from 2016. I read some really great books this past year, but unless something pops in the next couple of weeks, I don’t feel as though I’ve read any 5-star-blow-my-socks-off books. Of course, that won’t stop me from recommending at least 5 books that I read in 2016 for you to check out for yourself. All of these, if I were to rate them on GoodReads, Amazon.com or BN.com would receive at least a 4 star rating today.

The Undays of Aralias Lyons

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A unique time travel novel that takes the issue of paradoxes and addresses it head on. I enjoyed the quirky characters and was happy to have K.V. Horvath In the Spotlight to chat more about Aralias Lyons.

This is the second book in The Great Library series which is in the same vein as the Harry Potter series. Caine continued the struggle between the Jess and the Library to new heights and left the story in a cliffhanger that makes me eager for the release of Ash & Quill in 2017.

Magruder's Curiosity Cabinet

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Drawn in by the cover on NetGalley, once I started reading I was entranced by life in Atlantic City at the turn of the century. Reflecting back on this book post election season, I am reminded of the wonderful story of how complete strangers, no matter their differences, can band together behind a worthy cause.

This was quite an audiobook find at Half Price Books. The narration captivated me and I found myself itching to highlight and write down quotes so I purchased a physical copy of the book. This amazing middle-grade fairy tale is studded with illustrations and conveys the creation of stories in a beautiful, memorable way. This book will delight children and adults alike.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Fans of mysteries, medical history and strong female characters will enjoy Overholt’s debut novel. Full of unexpected twists and turns, you are kept guessing right up to end. I’m hoping to that there are more adventures with Dr. Genevieve Summerford in the future.

Another plus, Ms. Overholt kindly did a guest post about NYC and DC during the same time her novel was set!

Bonus Recommendations

The Crescent Spy

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Another historical fiction entry, this time set in Louisiana during the Civil War involving a female journalist turned spy with secrets of her own that could cost her dearly. The Crescent Spy is a good dose of American history, which I often find dry, and action with just a teeny-bit of romance.

This is a gut-wrenching WWII novel based on a true event that happened to the Nazi Regime, which is why so few people know about it. Audiobook listeners are in for a treat as this story is told from five different points of view and there is a different narrator for each viewpoint.

Review Coming Soon!

What are your top reads from 2016? What books are you most looking forward to in 2017?

Best book of the year for me was definitely ACOMAF. I wasn’t exactly sure if I would like it because I had an inkling about the turn it would take, but I ended up loving it! There were also quite a few closely rated books which I also enjoyed.

I got Ink and Bone for Christmas and I’m really excited to read it. I also have A Deadly Affection sitting on my shelf. 😉 I’m happy you had such great reads in 2016, Terri. It’s hard to narrow them down, don’t you think? I hope you find many great reads in 2017 as well!

Zeee, Iron Hearted Violet took me by surprise. I had seen it at Half Price Books several visits in a row and figured it was fate so I bought it. It was enchanting and when I got the physical copy I fell deeper in love with the story.